Are you trying to decide whether to rent or buy a waterblasting unit in this fiercely competitive industrial landscape? Let’s review some of the most important factors to consider. We’ll help you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique circumstances to pave the way for greater efficiency and bigger profits.
When Renting is Right
Renting avoids the financial strains of insurance costs, interest allocation and sales tax associated with a purchase. On the off chance something serious does go wrong with the equipment, you aren’t burdened with the same liabilities. You also don’t have to worry about paying for regular maintenance costs.
Buying a waterblasting unit can run upwards of $200,000 for a new unit, or roughly $150,000 for a used rig. This is a major investment, and probably unnecessary if you only anticipate having one or two contracts to use the equipment. Jetstream offers flexible rental terms that range from one day to a year or longer. Many Jetstream customers, such as refractories and shipyards, opt to rent for periodic industrial cleaning that takes a relatively short amount of time to complete. The bottom line is that if you don’t foresee using the waterblasting unit consistently, renting is probably your best bet. Renting also allows you to sample different models on the job if you’re on the fence about which one to purchase.
The majority of Jetstream’s rental pumps and units are less than three years old, and every rental customer will receive high-quality equipment. Renting directly from a manufacturer like us is virtually always better than renting from a third-party distributor. For example, you’re likely to receive quicker maintenance and service from a car dealership than a car rental company. The dealership has a more direct link to all the parts and expertise you could possibly need. That’s why Jetstream provides direct service and support at all 12 of our Jetstream Rentals store locations. We recently added two new stores in Florida and Colorado, and we aren’t stopping there.
When Buying is Best
If you are planning to use a waterblasting unit consistently, committing to a purchase could prove more cost-effective in the long-term. Jetstream units are versatile, with pumps featuring signature fluid ends convertible from 6,000 to 40,000 psi within a matter of minutes. This enables you to adapt for just about any application and take on a wide variety of jobs. With such a high level of versatility, it’ll feel like you bought multiple units in one.
On that note, buying a waterblasting unit allows greater flexibility in planning future projects and submitting bids. It offers the certainty of knowing it’s there whenever you need it. On-call contractors understand the necessity of having equipment ready at a moment’s notice, and ownership spares them the risk of delays or sitting on a waitlist. But before you commit to a purchase, make sure you have a proper place to store this equipment — particularly for the winter months.
Rent, But Keep It If You Want
There is a third option that gives you the best of both worlds. Jetstream allows renters to apply a substantial portion of rental fees as a down payment for a purchase. Consider that unlike purchase payments, an equipment rental fee can be applied as a job expense. So essentially you can have your waterblasting unit subsidized by a contracted job. Roughly half of our rental customers enter a rental agreement with plans for an eventual purchase. It’s a very economical path to ownership.
Whether renting or buying, a Jetstream representative will guide you through every step of the process to find an option precisely tailored to your needs. Our team travels to you to provide comprehensive training on how to use our products. Customers have been coming to Jetstream for all their waterblasting needs since 1976. They keep coming back because they enjoy the exceptional quality and personal service. So whether you choose to rent, buy, or rent before you buy, you’ll be in good hands.